Page:The plastic age, (IA plasticage00mark).pdf/203

Rh “No, I won’t come back—I won’t come back.” le was having a hard time to keep back the tears nd bit his trembling lip mercilessly. “Oh, Hugh,” e suddenly cried, “what will my mother say?” Hugh was deeply distressed, but he was startled y that “my mother.” It was the first time he had ver heard Carl speak of his mother except as the old lady.”

“She will understand,” he said soothingly. “How can she? How can she? God, Hugh, tod!” He buried his face in his hands and wept itterly. Hugh put his arm around his shoulder id tried to comfort him, and in a few minutes Carl as in control of himself again. He dried his eyes ith his handkerchief. “What a fish I am!” he said, trying to grin. “A xldamn fish.” He looked at his watch. “Hell, 've got to be going if I’m going to make the five teen.” He picked up his suit-case and held out s free hand. “There’s something I want to say you, Hugh, but I guess I ’ll write it. Please rn’t come to the train with me.” He gripped ugh’s hand hard for an instant and then vras out the door and down the hall before Hugh had ne to say anything. Two days afterward the letter came. The cusmary “Dear brother” and “Fraternally y**iirs” ire omitted.